Headaches

Headaches may occur around the temples, forehead, back of the head, vertex, behind the eyes, or across the whole head. From a Western medicine perspective, headaches may be associated with migraine, tension-type headache, neck tension, sinus issues, dehydration, hormones, stress, vision strain, medication, blood pressure, or other causes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine assesses headaches according to location, pain quality, triggers, and associated symptoms. Common patterns may include Liver Yang rising, Liver Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Blood stasis, Phlegm, Dampness, Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or channel obstruction in the Gallbladder, Bladder, Stomach, or Liver pathways.

Acupuncture can support headache management by addressing muscle tension, nervous system regulation, circulation, and the individual Chinese medicine pattern. Research suggests acupuncture may support prevention and management of tension-type headaches and migraine, though evidence quality and treatment response can vary.

Care may include acupuncture, cupping, lifestyle advice, stress regulation, and Chinese herbal medicine where appropriate. Sudden severe headache, neurological symptoms, head injury, fever, vision loss, fainting, confusion, or a new unusual headache should be medically assessed urgently.